Abstract
This paper examines the literature on patient assessment in nursing, with particular reference to assessment in psychiatric nursing. It finds that most nursing assessment is concerned with gathering physiological information about patients while effectively ignoring psychosocial indices. This phenomenon, it is argued, is due to historical factors in the socialization of nurses, the particular version of nursing process imported into the UK, and an oversimplification of the concept of 'need' which has encouraged nurses to focus on patient disabilities but has ignored their capabilities. It is proposed that nursing assessment should be a relatively lengthy process, increasing in specificity, involving gathering and analysing information from a holistic perspective about individuals'/families' health concerns. Then, by applying concepts from appropriate conceptual models, a nursing diagnosis to those health concerns is proposed. This proposal is supported by a discussion of the process, functions and methods of nursing assessment. Finally, while recognizing the importance of social causation theories in psychiatric care, it is argued that community health assessments are beyond the scope of individual nurses.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.